land fishing [closed]

With the season changing and the weather slowly becoming more favorable, Auburnflare found himself longing to leave camp more often, despite usually being indifferent. He'd spent enough time exploring the wider world and was content enough in his place within Thunderclan. However, the feeling of the stray beams of sunlight across his brown and white fur was a luxurious sensation. Having given Irispaw her tasks for the day, the warrior headed off in his own endeavor. Sunningrocks had been a favorite of his before Thunderclan had returned and it had been sometime since he had enjoyed himself. The alliance with their neighboring clan was still strong, in theory, but who knew with the shifting leadership.

Auburnflare shrugged off the thought. His bright blue gaze shined with determination of a selfish goal. It did not take long to traverse the territory and he briefly considered the fact that when he had first come to the forest, he'd been too weak to make it far. Look at me now, Stoatfur. A warrior. A son you should be proud of. He thought of his father with only traces of bitterness, mostly only indignation at this point. While his parents were lounging in the stone den, he was out making a difference as a part of the clan. Well, aside from the well-earned rest. Heaving himself up the side of the stony slope was easy enough. The rays of light, coupled with the cool breeze, was perfect for lounging against sun touched stone.

With his paws stretching over the edge, Auburnflare spread his limbs across the stone before rolling lazily onto his back. Stars, he couldn't wait until Newleaf was in full swing. Older warriors talked of full bellies when the weather shifted. He couldn't wait. His eyes had slid shut and slitted open to take in the thawed river. Admittedly, the background noise was soothing, even if the thought of getting his fur wet made his lip curl in disgust. To his surprise there was a figure along the back. Her slender calico frame seemed a little gaunt for a Riverclan cat, known for their thick pelts. An idea flitted through his mind, fueled more by curiosity than anything, he called out to the molly, "Almost done soaking your fur for fun? A day like this is much better spent sunning, don't you think?"

They were allies after all, right?

Regarding her through lidded eyes, the Thunderclanner watched her shoulders tense and then relax. At her remark, his whiskers twitched in amusement and he muttered a response mostly to himself, "Honestly thought Riverclan was half-fish themselves..." Much to his surprise, she seemed at the very least open to briefly entertaining his antics. His tail flickered lackadaisically as the she-cat padded over. He looked up with a cheeky smile of his own turning of the sides of his maw. Surely no cat could resist the alluring comfort of Sunningrocks on such a delightful day. Leafbare had been too long.

"Hm, I don't know. A warrior out for a stroll on a nice day? I think you just don't like to acknowledge when you need a little time for yourself." Auburnflare was lax in his own duties but there was no harm in downtime here and there. Although, Kestrelpaw would likely claw his ears off if she ever heard he was hanging out so casually with a Riverclan cat. Moons ago he'd chased outsiders off these rocks and now, he was entertaining the company of one from another clan. His ear flicked at the memory, realizing how self-assured he had become since then. Maybe that was the reason he now spoke so callously with this stranger.

"The rest of your tasks will be easier if you're rested. At least that's what I keep telling myself. Try it out at least, just for a moment or two?" A yawn escaped his maw as if to portray the endless comfort of such a warm and inviting stone. Sunningrocks was known for being a battle ground for endless disputes between their clans but the name also spoke of the proper use of the sprawling expanse of boulders. His tail flicked, beckoning in one last attempt to summon a companion for his extended break, "I'm Auburnflare, by the way."

To his surprise, the she-cat's paws were before him, quickly followed by her level gaze. Auburnflare rolled onto his stomach and rested his chin onto his forepaws. He listened intently as she spoke, despite the casual flickering of his ears. It wasn't everyday that he got to entertain the company of a Riverclan cat. A slight grin wriggled it's way onto his features at the compliment of his name, as if the tom had gifted it to himself rather than it being a combination of Appledapple and Acornstar's design. Regardless, it did suit him and he was grateful for the fact she noticed.

"Mm, right. Gotta keep the borders together so dangerous cats like me stay to their own territory." He was teasing, the words were light. There was some sense of irony in the fact he was currently lounging on land owned by Riverclan but he had no intention of drawing attention to that, "Poppyshine. It suits you." The warrior echoed her name with a slight nod. He briefly wondered if once her pelt had glowed brighter but kept the thought to himself.

At her question, he snorted softly, "Believe it or not I even have my own apprentice. Irispaw has the unfortunate task of de-ticking the elders today. I do not envy her." Remembering those days, a shudder went down his spine. It was as if he could smell the repulsive aroma of mousebile like it was right under his nose. With a blink, he locked eyes with Poppyshine once more, "I'm making sure I'm well rested so when it's time for my duties, I'll be ready. I think it works. You should try it sometime." Auburnflare shrugged. Another warm smile was shot in the Riverclan cat's direction, and with a flick of his tail, another invitation.